Kim Jong-un's 2019 New Year's Address was different from previous years in many ways.
A much milder atmosphere than the past, with messages that show a strong will to further
improve relations with South Korea and the U.S.
Oh Jung-hee provides an analysis of the speech with the help of some experts.
Standing at a podium, speaking in a hard and stiff tone,... while highlighting the nuclear
button on his desk.
That was North Korean leader Kim Jong-un making his New Year's Address at the start of 2018.
But this year, Kim Jong-un went with a softer, warmer approach.
Walking into a nicely decorated study holding papers, he addressed his people sitting down
on a sofa,... in a format that the Seoul government called... "unconventional."
And for the first time, Kim Jong-un promised 'complete denuclearization' of the Korean
Peninsula with his own voice.
"It is our invariable stand and my firm will to build a lasting and durable peace regime
and advance towards complete denuclearization."
Kim also stressed that North Korea has not been making any nuclear weapons -- which is
a fairly new claim that adds to the regime's moratorium on nuclear tests -- aiming to remove
the international community's concerns on nuclear weapons production.
Kim did warn of having to find a (quote)"new path" unless the U.S. takes reciprocal measures.
But he, at the same time, toned it down by leaving it as a possibility.
Some in the U.S. say that Pyeongyang offered an olive branch with sharp thorns -- but this
expert sees it differently: "Kim is not threatening to walk the new path.
He's putting much more weight on complete denuclearization and North Korea-U.S. negotiations.
He's saying that he can't help but look for a new path if the U.S. keeps on unilaterally
forcing Pyeongyang without corresponding measures.
The 'new path' is only rhetoric."
In terms of inter-Korean relations, Kim hinted... that Pyeongyang's main focus this year will
be on resuming the joint factory park, the Gaeseong Industrial Complex,... and South
Korean tours to the North's Mount Geumgangsan.
"When North and South hold hands firmly and join forces, no external sanctions and pressure,
challenges and trials will be able to get in our way towards national prosperity."
"It's a message that South Korea should move to persuade the U.S. and the international
community to lift sanctions."
Pundits believe that Pyeongyang has a strong will to enhance its relations with Seoul and
Washington in the new year, while continuing domestic efforts to boost economic growth.
They also say that declaring an end to the Korean War and signing a peace treaty may
become a major agenda in 2019,... as Kim called for multilateral negotiations on ending the
armistice status... and setting lasting peace.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
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